News

AIRSHOW LONDON (ASL) has confirmed the legendary US Air Force THUNDERBIRDS. The Ambassadors in Blue will command London skies in 2020. The ASL team released the news from Las Vegas, where they are attending the International Council of Airshows (ICAS) and winning big. In addition to the Thunderbird confirmation, ASL also announced the first three demo teams for the 2019 show. The ACC A10 (Warthog) Demo team, the CF-18 Demo Team and the Snowbirds made their London performances official this morning.

AIRSHOW LONDON fans will be familiar with the outstanding performances of the Canadian Forces contingent with the CF-18 Demo Team and the 431 Air Demonstration Squadron, Snowbirds. Added to the aerial performance will be the A-10 – the U S Air Force’s premier close air support aircraft known for providing invaluable protection to troops on the ground. The Air Combat Command A-10C Thunderbolt II Demonstration Team, stationed out of Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Arizona, brings the aircraft to air shows around the world to showcase the unique combat capabilities of the A-10 “Warthog.” They perform precision aerial maneuvers while highlighting the mission and professionalism of the men and women of the US Air Force. The team also pays homage to the Air Force’s proud history by flying formations with historical aircraft in the Air Force Heritage Flight

Dave De Kelver, ASL Executive Director, news to media and across multiple social platforms as soon as it entered the public realm. “We know there are thousands of fans waiting to see and hear who will be flying at AIRSHOW LONDON this September and in the future. As our reach continues to grow and we draw spectators from across North America, Europe and Asia, it’s important we share the line up as soon as we can. Airshow aficionados choose the shows they want to see, and book flights and accommodation well in advance. Keeping everyone up to speed on AIRSHOW LONDON helps start the process for our event.”

De Kelver says the ASL team is often working two years in advance to secure aircraft and performers but all announcements remain under wraps until the actual teams make it official. Itineraries for many of the teams are released at ICAS, while others are completed during the next few months.

AIRSHOW LONDON 2019 dates are set for September 13 – 15th. The show’s theme in 2019 will celebrate NATO’s 70th anniversary.

Santa Set To Deliver For AIRSHOW LONDON
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: Wednesday, November 21, 2018

AIRSHOW LONDON has announced early ticket sales in time for Christmas along with big news that it has partnered with Santa Claus for holiday season delivery. The jolly old elf, who is known to be quite an experienced aviator and keen airshow fan, has given a mitted thumbs up to each of the ASL Perfect Gift Packages.
Fans of the show are now able to go online and purchase entry to the September 13 – 15 event and various AIRSHOW LONDON branded apparel and swag.
Dave De Kelver, Executive Director, says getting a partner of this stature, at this busy time of year, is a bit of a feather in the ASL cap (which are available for purchase and make great gifts). He admits he was himself pretty star struck at the idea but Santa is really a nice guy. “I had people tell me he was jolly and nice and they were right. AIRSHOW LONDON had received requests from fans for gift packages and attire and this year we were able to make that happen. Santa coming on board as a partner was just the icing on our Christmas cake.”
For more information and ticket packages visit www.airshowlondon.com

AIRSHOW LONDON (ASL) 2018 posted a crowd count of 30,000 and organizers are very pleased with the weekend turnout. Fans lined up to get into the venue for what was again Canada’s largest military air display and arguably one of the top shows in North America. Celebrating 90 years of airshows in London, the 2018 edition left no doubt as to why London is a popular destination with performers and spectators.

Dave De Kelver, Executive Director, said the lineup of over 70 aircraft was amazing. He says, “Our Flight Operations team, led by Gerry Vanderhoek put together a show second to none. This dedication to excellence by our volunteer team is what keeps the most advanced military aircraft and crews looking for a spot on their show roster for London and it’s what puts the ‘awesome’ in what we present.”

ASL Board Chair Jim Graham believes the London show is well positioned to continue expanding – with both participants and sponsors. He adds, “London set the bar very high for this show right from the start. We knew we wanted to bring back this event as a premiere, top-level North American showcase for military aircraft and we’ve done it. This was year three and it’s like we’ve taken a hat trick for ASL. London is the center of aviation advancements in technology and education for our region and AIRSHOW LONDON demonstrates the power this sector brings to not only here but our country. We opened our gates to fans from down the street and we welcomed visitors from around the world. AIRSHOW LONDON is supporting charities and not for profits and making a name for itself. We couldn’t be more pleased”.

The final addition to this year’s show was the unveiling of “Katie’s Bears”, named in memory of Gerry Vanderhoek’s daughter Kaitlin. The Saturday night awards night provided an opportunity for each of the crews to receive their ‘Katie Bear’ and it’s expected photos will start to fly in to katiesbear.com just about as soon as the planes begin taking off. The bears will accompany the crews on their journeys and report back through the website and social media so kids at the London Children’s Hospital can follow their adventures. For more information – go to katiesbear.com.

AIRSHOW LONDON and the Children’s Health Foundation today took off with plans to send bears flying. Code named ‘Katie’s Bears’ the project will see 30 stuffed bears become crew members for Canadian and U S military, travel the world and report back to London.

The bears are named in memory of Kaitlin Vanderhoek, daughter of AIRSHOW LONDON’S Director of Flight Operations – Gerry Vanderhoek. Kaitlin and her father shared a love of aircraft and airshows. Gerry says supporting the Children’s Health Foundation and finding ways to make other kids lives a little brighter is part of Katie’s legacy. While a total of 350 bears will be distributed to children in AIRSHOW LONDON’S Katie’s Corner next weekend, 30 of them will be heading into the wild blue yonder with air crews from around North America.

As the crew members document their travels in photos and share pictures on a website – katiesbear.com – and social media the children who are undergoing medical challenges and treatment will be watching the adventures. Their escapades will be seen worldwide and clearly illustrate that if bears can fly ‘anything is possible’.

The project is part of an ongoing relationship between AIRSHOW LONDON and Children’s Health Foundation. The purchase of the bears was made possible by Siskinds.

The bears will be paired with their respective crews during a VIP and ASL Awards night next Saturday. On the Monday morning, following the show, the bears will strap in at takeoff for the journey of a lifetime.

Mayor Matt Brown joined the event today and believes the project is a perfect example of how Londoners come together to do the most amazing things – for the right reasons. John Winston, General Manager of Tourism London, Sara Steers, Director of Philanthropy at the Children’s Health Foundation, Jim Graham, Board Chair for ASL and Dave De Kelver, the shows executive director were also on hand to share their excitement for this initiative.

Anyone wishing to follow Katie’s Bears can go to the website katiesbear.com – links for social media will be posted too.

One of the world’s most recognized names in aerospace is returning to AIRSHOW LONDON (ASL) as the 2018 presenting sponsor. Lockheed Martin is taking the top level spot in a show featuring some top level Lockheed Martin aircraft.

The F-35 Lightning II is one of Lockheed Martin’s premiere aircraft and it’s back for ASL 2018. The world’s most survivable and connected fighter aircraft, the F-35 combines advanced low observable stealth technology with fighter speed and agility, fully fused sensor information, network-enabled operations and advanced sustainment. For the lay person this translates to – fast and furious and totally awesome. Dave De Kelver, ASL Executive Director, says the organization is pleased Lockheed Martin is returning as a primary sponsor as ASL will again provide a great showcase opportunity for the
F-35 and other Lockheed Martin aircraft.

He says, “As Canada’s largest military air demonstration in 2018, AIRSHOW LONDON continues to bring the world’s leading aircraft, and the companies who make them, to London. This is where fans and aircraft aficionado come together to see the BEST and LATEST in aircraft design and technology. With support from partners like Lockheed Martin, ASL continues to build quite a reputation for excellence. Gerry ‘Hook’ Vanderhoek, our Director of Flight Operations, has put together a stellar roster of aircraft and we’ll be hosting media and fans from across North America, Europe and Asia.”

“We are so pleased to see Lockheed Martin return to AIRSHOW LONDON. All eyes are on our city as we prepare to host Canada’s largest military display,” said Mayor Matt Brown. “London is a leader in the aerospace and defence industry and we are looking forward to welcoming partners from around the globe for ASL 18.”

“Lockheed Martin is proud to return to AIRSHOW LONDON as the presenting sponsor for the second consecutive year,” said Charles Bouchard, Chief Executive of Lockheed Martin Canada. “As a global leader in developing the world’s most advanced aircraft, we are thrilled so many of our platforms will be on display. From the mighty C-130 Hercules and C-5 Galaxy, to the F-16 Viper and the highly advanced F-35 Lightning II, AIRSHOW LONDON has attracted Lockheed Martin’s biggest and most exciting aircraft.”

Thanks to all the amazing photographers and shutter bugs who entered the Focus ASL Photo Contest. Our full winner list is below. Watch for their amazing pics on the AIRSHOW LONDON website. We’ll be posting in the next couple of days.

Special thanks to our judges Chris Collins, Larry Weir and Gerry (Hook) Vanderhoek. With over 750 entries, the task of choosing the final few was daunting but they got the job done.

AND a special thanks to NIKON. Our winner will be receiving a special ‘goody bag’ from our photo-pit sponsor, in addition to the $500 first prize from AIRSHOW LONDON.

Next contest starts Friday, Sept 7thas NIKON looks for the best shot of the day. A grand winner will be announced at the end of the show. The prize package will be announced prior to the show. Watch for details.

Leading up to the September 7 – 9th event NIKON will be offering tips on how to take your aviation photo techniques to greater heights. Follow NIKON on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.

ASL Executive Director, Dave De Kelver, believes the ‘at the counter buy’ is a good addition to the online ticket purchase. He says, “Rexall has provided this service as part of its sponsorship for the past two years and we’re pleased they are back for a third time. This year Rexall furthered their partnership by contributing to our Katie’s Corner area, providing 100 more spaces for LCHF clients and families. Supporting children’s health programs and organizations aligns to the Rexall Foundation”.

De Kelver says advance ticket sales are strong and online is a great way to get your tickets but some people like to make their purchase in person and Rexall’s participation makes that possible.

Show performers and static display aircraft are listed on the AIRSHOW LONDON website. De Kelver says this year will again be a top flight event. Headliners include the F-16 Viper Demo Team, CF-18 Demonstration Team (this year saluting NORAD’s 60th anniversary), Northrop F-5A “Freedom Fighter”, F-86 Sabre, RCAF CH-146 SAR (Search and Rescue Demo), RCAF CC-130H, and Canada’s aviation ambassadors – the Snowbirds.

AIRSHOW LONDON’s lineup places it again at the top end of North American airshows with participants and spectators scheduled to arrive from across North America and Europe.

This year the show is offering FREE admission to children 12 & under. Visit airshowlondon.com for ticket information for all three days – Sept 7 -9.

A list of Rexall store locations where tickets can be purchased is listed below.

AIRSHOW LONDON (ASL) today presented cheques to two London health organizations as part of its ongoing commitment to providing support for community. Dave De Kelver, Executive Director of ASL, and Gerry Vanderhoek, Director of Flight Operations, delivered $10,000 (ten thousand dollars) to the London Children’s Health Foundation and St. Joseph’s Health Foundation (Veteran’s Care and Comfort Fund). The funds will be shared equally. The charity administrators were pleased to accept the donations and equally as pleased with the inclusion of patients, residents and families during the show weekend.

“Children’s Health Foundation is so grateful for the generous support of AIRSHOW LONDON, as they are truly making an impact on kids in our community. We look forward to being a charity partner at the 2018 event and creating a lasting partnership for years to come.” – Scott Fortnum, Children’s Health Foundation.

Gerry Vanderhoek acknowledged the AIRSHOW LONDON partners and sponsors who work together in “Katie’s Corner” creating the front row location where youngsters from the Children’s Hospital of Western Ontario and their families make amazing air show memories. Veterans from the Parkwood residence attend the Friday night twilight show where, as VIP guests, they meet and share stories with current serving members of the Canadian and United States military. He said, “We are so very proud to bring smiles to the faces of the kids and adults who join us as our special guests. The airshow is an awesome way to lift spirits.” Gerry daughter Kaitlin Vanderhoek was the inspiration for Katie’s Corner and he feels it’s a perfect way for her to be remembered.

ASL also provides tickets for fund raising for other London based charities and not-for-profit organizations.
De Kelver says it’s all part of the AIRSHOW LONDON mandate and only possible because of Londoner’s support. “Our volunteers number in the hundreds and it is their collective efforts that allow us to make AIRSHOW LONDON the great event it is and to help out in our community in many ways. While ASL promotes aerospace/defence industries, education and aviation opportunities centered in this part of Ontario, it also recognizes the need to reach out and be an active member of the not-for-profit community. We see rising to extraordinary heights as a natural extension of what we do. Supporting others in their efforts to ‘reach for the stars’ makes perfect sense and we’re looking forward to an awesome 2018 on every level.”

AIRSHOW LONDON today announced its focus ASL photography contest. Organizers are looking for the best aircraft photos from the 2017 show. Photographers, either professional or amateur, are encouraged to submit their awesome shots for a chance to win one of 17 prizes including the top prize of $500 and a ‘fun bag of swag’ from NIKON.

Seventeen submissions will be chosen to appear in this year’s calendar/program. Details can be found at airshowlondon.com. AIRSHOW LONDON Executive Director, Dave De Kelver says the contest will showcase some of the amazing images that have come out of the 2017 show. He says, “Photographers love airshows and we love them right back. A great photograph can capture and convey not only the engineering prowess of an aircraft but also the emotion that’s attached to the speed and daring of flight. Even as technology takes us further and faster, our fascination and amazement of our ability to soar through the heavens appears to be heightened, not lessened. And we all know a great picture is worth about Mach three.”

De Kelver also announced a new sponsor and proudly welcomed NIKON to its growing list of supporters. London is one of two stops for the NIKON team at Canadian airshows and will bring with it access to ‘free’ cameras and lenses on loan for each day of the show to Photo Pit Pass holders. Equipment will be supplied on a first come basis. They will also have binoculars and field scopes available for the public to try out.

In addition, NIKON will hold a ‘photo of the day’ contest during the show. A grand winner will be announced at the end of the event. The prize package will be announced soon. Watch for details.

Leading up to the September 7 – 9th event NIKON will be offering tips on how to take your aviation photo techniques to greater heights. Follow NIKON on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram .and YouTube.

Anyone interested in submitting a photo to focus ASL photography contest.is encouraged to visit airshowlondon.com and get their photos in early. The contest runs from Monday June 25th until the 20th of July. Winners will be announced July 27th.

Kids will be able to pass through the gates of Airshow London for free when the aviation spectacle takes to the skies this September.

Airshow officials announced on Wednesday that there will be no cost for children 12 and under to attend this year’s performance at the London International Airport.

“It’s really important to us to get families out to the show,” said Airshow Executive Director Dave De Kelver. “If cost was stopping families from attending then I am hopeful we have taken that roadblock out of the way.”